Hi all,

I am working on my multi engine rating this summer. The way the part 141 program is set up where I am training half of the course is VFR and the second part is IFR. I have already completed the core instrument course using NOS plates. I have been thinking getting Jep plates just to learn them and get familiar with them because my ultimate goal is to fly for the airlines. Would it be worth the added cost to go for Jep plates? What do you all think?

YES YES YES!

First off, NOS charts are not ergonomic and nobody should be using them unless you learned in the military (it's second-nature for them).

Every airline interview will involve extensive chart/approach plate/STAR/DP reading...and they won't be NOS. They almost all use Jepps, and you probably don't want to work for an airline that is to cheap to buy them...hell, even mesa uses Jepps. JO tried to go to NOS for the EFB, not sure what happened there...but I know for sure they still use Jepps, cuz I still get mesa Jepp updates in the mail (a year after I quit!).

I admit that have purchased NOS chart packs to take on personal XC trips to states where I don't have Jepps, but I acquire Jepps for my planned destination(s) and just carry NOS for diversions.

I go with the saying "if it's free, I'll take three"

If NOS is provided to you why spend money on the Jepps?

I've used both and I prefer the Jepps, although it boils down to knowing what info you need to brief and where to find it.

You should find an old set of Jepps and learn how to read/understand what they say. If you know someone who flies, they may be able to help you out with them. As for what you use, that's on you. I still use NOS charts. I learned with both Jepps and NOS. We used the Jepps in a few of my classes (taught by an ex-USAF guy) since that's airline standard. But NOS charts are much cheaper so most of our students use them. Be fluent in whatever you use and learn the Jepps no matter what. They have a lot of info and a legend at the front of the packet, so that would be something to look for.

If you can get your hands on "old" Jepps to learn, do it! I've used both and I prefer Jepps hands down- and luckily my school provides Jepps for us. From what I've heard, a part of the airline interview process is reading Jepp plates, so definitely get familiar with them!

Oh, and good luck with your multi course!

MHM

If they're being paid for by somebody else, go for it. If not, stick to the NOS. They're a fraction of the cost and widely available.

I'm making the transition to Jepps and yes, they're nice. I still stand by the fact that I wouldn't pay for them. They are much more user friendly but I don't think the transition will be that difficult.

Does anyone know of any websites to get Jepp plates cheap? (err...should i say cheaper than normal) I get a student discounts but it is still pricey for a college student. It would take me quite a few nights loading up the Beech 1900 to pay for them. (i work as a loader for alpine air hopefully get hired as a CFI next spring)

I use NOS charts, but that's by my own preference. My instrument examiner wanted me to use Jepp charts, so I was scrambling the week before to get a chart...fortunately a few friends had one to lend me so I could study it up and switching from one to the other wasn't very hard - but there are a few key points to both, and you'll definitely want to know them before being asked on an interview. :-D

My personal preference is Jepps. I think they're laid out in a more more logical fashion, and thus easier to use. When I was flying GA, however, I used NOS charts since they're cheaper. If you're an AOPA member, you can download approach plates for free from the website. Do this for your instrument flights and throw a current NOS book in your bag for diversions, and you're set.
On another note, a buddy of mine works in the FAA's charting office and says they're in the process of converting their charts to something more along the lines of what Jepps look like.

Just buy the Jepps. Thats what you will use in airline or corporate flying.